The subgroup recommends legislation that would authorize the Washington State Institute for Public Policy to study risk assessment instruments and prepare a report to the Legislature.

2) Support a bill that would require APS to develop and maintain a publicly searchable database of perpetrators of the abandonment, abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable adults that would:

a) Allow for the simple verification of whether a proposed caregiver or employee has an APS finding.

b) Require DSHS to develop a feasibility study on linking all DSHS perpetrator databases, thereby making them publicly accessible and promoting public accountability.

3) In order to better identify and assist victims, a formal review of the current legal definition of “vulnerable adult” is needed. Formal stakeholder group meetings should be held to consider these factors: